The 32-year-old Dothan woman says her children, 12-year-old Joshua, 2-year-old Savannah and five-year-old quadruplets Sara, Shea, Shania and Seth, provide the motivation. “The quads are the main reason I went back to school,” Nunez said. “I know later in life things will be very expensive.”  

Boxes full of tiny shoes line the front hall of the family’s West Dothan home, and Nunez is bracing for even bigger expenses. “When they (the quads) are in high school, there will be four proms and four cars,” Nunez noted. “Senior year you have to have four of everything. Then, there is college.” 

Nunez, who is in her first semester of graduate school, is accustomed to juggling the demands of school and family. When she graduated from TROY in December with an undergraduate degree in business, her husband, Peter, a major in the Alabama National Guard, had already deployed.  

“It was hard for both of us, because he has been very supportive of me going back (to school) and everything,” Nunez said. “He tells me all the time he doesn’t know how I do it. I keep telling him we’re o.k. Just worry about yourself over there.” 

Between mealtimes, mountains of laundry and chaotic trips to the grocery store, Nunez said there is not much time to study. “They (the children) are pretty much with me all the time. At night, I study until I get things done or I fall asleep,” Nunez said, grinning. “Then our day starts over again at six in the morning.” 

Nunez said the flexibility Troy University offers helps make earning a degree easier. “What I did a lot (as an undergraduate) was the mini sessions, two classes the first half of the semester and two the second half,” Nunez recalled. “The on-line courses are also a big asset to me.” 

Along the way, there have been times she considered giving up. One of those times was when she learned baby number six was on the way. “I completely withdrew, and Dr. (Mark) Gaddis convinced me I needed to come back to school,” Nunez recalled. “I’m glad I did. Without supportive teachers like I have at TROY, I wouldn’t have.” 

Nunez’ determination has caught the attention of many on the Dothan Campus, including Reta Cordell, director of graduate admissions and records. “Tricia is very focused on getting an education and making a good life for her family,” Cordell said. “She is proof that you can have it all. She provides a great example for other students, who are trying to find a balance in their own busy lives.” 

Nunez takes her success in stride. “To me, earning my education is a big accomplishment because of what I do, but then again I’m no different than anyone else,” she smiled. “There are other people that have six kids and graduate.”  

The odds are good Nunez’ children will follow their mother’s example. “I’m sure one of them will go to TROY,” she predicted. “I’d rather them go to TROY. I think they will get a good education.”